Moisture in buildings is focus of PCA conference
Moisture in buildings is focus of PCA conference
MOISTURE in buildings will be the major focus at a key event for property professionals next month.
National trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) stages its annual International Conference at the Møller Centre – within the University of Cambridge – on May 12.
The event is renowned among industry insiders for offering forward-thinking views and lively debate.
Moisture in Buildings Conference will be held at the Møller Centre
Expert speakers on moisture in buildings
And this year a panel of expert speakers from around the world will discuss a variety of issues related to the topical subject of moisture in buildings.
Among them will be renowned forensic industrial hygienist Caoimhin Connell, who’ll use his extensive background in the subject to debunk misinformation about the causes, implications and remediation of mould.
Caoimhin is a former analytical chemist who’s now a principle with Forensic Applications Consulting Technologies Inc, based in Colorado, USA.
A morning session on resilience will be chaired by renowned flood campaigner Mary Dhonau OBE, head of the PCA’s Flood Protection Group.
It will feature a talk on ‘flood resilience in the built environment’ by Stephen Garvin, Director of the Building Research Establishment (BRE) Centre for Resilience.
Stephen leads work taking place throughout the UK and internationally, particularly in the area of climate adaptation and flood risk management.
A consumer’s view of flood protection measures will be delivered by Adrian Porter, of the Oxford Flood Alliance.
Adrian, whose own property was affected, has spent the last nine years working with local and national government to help to develop mitigation strategies in his community.
A packed agenda at the conference will also include a section on emerging challenges, chaired by Steve Hodgson, chief executive of the PCA.
Colin King, director of the BRE with responsibility for the refurbishment and hygrothermal performance of buildings, will discuss the unintended consequences of retrofit works, while Nicholas Heath, of the Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance, will talk about external wall insulation and its use in retrofit.
Neil May will reveal the reasons behind the recent establishment of the UK Centre for Moisture in Buildings and the goals it has been set and Dr Hector Altermarino, a building scientist and lecturer, will discuss the causes and implications of mould in occupied spaces.
Property professionals will also have the chance to quiz the experts in dedicated question and answer sessions.
Mr Hodgson said: “The PCA conference has always illustrated its value as a platform to highlight the best expert advice on topical subjects and this year is no different.
“The event is designed to appeal to professionals from across the property spectrum, whether or not they’re members of the PCA, and we’re expecting a lot of interest.”
Members of the PCA are entitled to one complimentary place at the event and entry for additional attendees costs £75 plus VAT per person. Entry for non-members is £100 plus VAT. Prompt booking is advised as places are limited.
For more details and to book places, go to www.property-care.org/annual-conference-2016